Raytheon has achieved a significant production milestone with the delivery of the 3,000th AIM-9X short-range air-to-air missile.

"The 3,000th delivery is yet another measure that the AIM-9X is a mature system warfighters know they can rely on," said Capt. Jeffrey Penfield, the U.S. Navy's air-to-air missile program manager.

"Achieving this milestone means American and allied aviators are fully equipped to continue their critical advantage in the within-visual-range fight."

The AIM-9X is an infrared-guided air-to-air missile. It offers the warfighter unmatched maneuverability, off-boresight capability, and speed.

"Every delivery is made possible thanks to the hard work of our U.S. Navy partner, our eight international customers, our employees and our suppliers," said Dave Adams, Raytheon's AIM-9 program director.

"Everyone pulls together to ensure the men and women going in harm's way have the most capable within-visual-range missile in the world."